Our Community Coalitions
Prevention coalitions consist of volunteers representing the 12 sectors shown above, working together to prevent substance misuse and promote mental wellness in their community. Volunteers share what they know, learn about current issues, and help plan and carry out strategies and events. Read about our work with local coalitions (also known as Local Prevention Councils) below and contact Margaret if you'd like to get involved!
In 2020-21, Positive Directions worked with several Local Prevention Councils in the area, playing a different role in each:
The Norwalk Partnership
Since seeking and receiving the federal Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant in December 2019 for our prevention work in Norwalk, Positive Directions partnered with the Human Services Council (which has state prevention funding) to create a new coalition: The Norwalk Partnership (TNP), which launched in September 2020. Positive Directions is leading TNP's data collection, strategies around alcohol and marijuana, and website and communications. Visit the website to learn about our Liquor Stickers campaign, youth & community surveys, and more, or to download slideshows and infographs.
Fairfield CARES Community Coalition
Positive Directions has managed the state's CT Strategic Prevention Framework Coalitions (CSC) grant for the Fairfield CARES Community Coalition for the past six years. Under this grant focused on underage drinking, Fairfield has successfully decreased youth alcohol consumption and raised awareness among youth and adults. Prior to the close of the grant in June 2021, our staff worked with the coalition to apply for a federal grant to sustain and expand the coalition's work.
Westport Prevention Coalition
Positive Directions coordinates the Westport Prevention Coalition and serves as its fiduciary for the Local Prevention Council (LPC) and State Opioid Response (SOR) grants, working as part of a town-school-community partnership known as Westport Together. During the pandemic we have been able to conduct focus groups and a community and youth survey, provide online trainings, develop a postcard series aimed at parents of middle and high school students, and provide online information campaigns related to vaping and opioids.
.png)
Alcohol & Drug Awareness Program of Weston
We have helped ADAP identify data needs and plan for a youth survey to be held in the fall of 2021.
The Hub
We work closely with The Hub, which is the state-designated "Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization" (RBHAO) serving Southwestern CT. The Hub administers the state LPC and SOR grants, provides resources, coordinates quarterly regional meetings, and helps disseminate information regionally. Click the link below to find other LPCs (coalitions) in southwest CT or for additional behavioral health resources.